Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 2, 2025 Refugees and migrants
Violent attacks on villages and the rapid spread of violence into previously safe areas have forced nearly 100,000 Mozambicans to flee their homes in the past two weeks alone.
Speaking from the conflict-torn Erati region in the north of the country, UNHCR spokesman Xavier Creasch said tens of thousands of displaced people were living in makeshift shelters and overcrowded school classrooms.
"Coordinated attacks [by ISIS-affiliated militants] in several areas at once are creating enormous challenges for humanitarian workers, who are having to repeatedly increase emergency aid deliveries in different parts of the country," he said. "Unfortunately, we lack resources."
Violence that erupted in 2017 in the country's northernmost province of Cabo Delgado forced more than 1.3 million people to flee their homes. This year, it has spread beyond the province's borders, threatening communities that previously hosted displaced families, according to UNHCR.
People who have reached safety say they fled in fear after armed groups stormed their villages at night, burning homes, attacking civilians and forcing families to leave without belongings or documents.
"Many civilians were killed, some were beheaded," Kreasch said. "People were forced to flee at night in complete chaos."
The fourth wave of mass migrations
This is the fourth major wave of displacement that northern Mozambique has experienced in recent months.
"The current response is insufficient," emphasized Xavier Creasch. "People urgently need help. They need food, shelter, water, and psychological support."
UNHCR estimates that $38.2 million will be required to meet growing needs in northern Mozambique in 2026. However, funding for 2025 is only 50 percent of the required amount.
Kreash said that on Tuesday morning, UNHCR staff witnessed a partial return of people to extremely insecure areas – not to resume normal life, but because of the lack of assistance and overcrowded shelters: “They felt that they too had no choice but to return.”
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.